Britain’s Fittest Farmer competition returns for 2025
© MAG/Colin Miller Britain’s Fittest Farmer is back for 2025, and it’s time to show what you’re made of.
Whether you’re a seasoned competitor or taking part for the first time, it’s the perfect opportunity to sign up and challenge yourself.
Now in its eighth year, the competition is officially open for entries, so grab your trainers, get ready to give it your all, and bring along your friends and family to cheer you on.
See also: Farm Doctor: How to spot signs of poor mental health
This annual event, hosted by Farmers Weekly at venues across the country, promotes the mental and physical wellbeing of the nation’s farmers.
It aims to ignite important discussions about staying mentally and physically fit for farming while fostering a sense of community through friendly competition.
Launched in 2018, the competition is open to anyone over the age of 18 working in farming or the wider agricultural sector, and participants of all fitness levels are encouraged to join.
There are four categories to enter:
- Men under 40
- Women under 40
- Men over 40
- Women over 40
As farming becomes increasingly mechanised and office-based, it’s more crucial than ever for farmers to ensure they are getting the necessary exercise to maintain their health and fitness.
Farming can also be an isolating profession, making it essential for farmers to prioritise their mental health and wellbeing, ensuring their business stays in peak condition.
The judging team
Helping with the judging is charity partner the Farming Community Network (FCN), a voluntary organisation focused on supporting farmers and their families.
FCN runs a confidential national helpline and manages the website FarmWell, which provides essential resources for individuals, families, and farm businesses.
William Arden
William Arden lifts the winner’s trophy at Britain’s Fittest Farmer Final 2024 © Telling Photography Ltd
Arable farmer William Arden takes on the role of head judge for this year’s Britain’s Fittest Farmer, bringing his wealth of experience and passion for fitness to the panel.
Will is well-acquainted with the competition, having reached the final for the fifth time in 2024, where he triumphed in the men’s under-40s category.
Staying active comes naturally to him. “Exercise is what works best for me; it clears my mind and helps me shake off any worries,” he says.
Will makes time for exercise almost every day, including training at his own gym, The Farmyard Gym, north of Lincoln, which he manages outside of farming hours.
The first of three qualifier events will kick off on 18 June at the Lincolnshire Show, followed by the Royal Highland Show on 8 July.
The third and final qualifier will take place at the Royal Welsh Show on 24 July – so, check which dates suit you and head to your nearest location.
The prize is £1,000 for each winner: one male and one female winner under 40, and one male and one female winner over 40.
How to enter
- Head over to the Britain’s Fittest Farmer website, and upload a photo or short video of yourself
- Select the qualifier venue and the category that you are entering
- Remember to tell us about how you stay mentally and physically fit for farming, and what makes you a great ambassador for the industry
- Don’t forget to add your contact details so we can get in touch.
Faye Jones entrant 2024 and 2025
‘I want to inspire a mindset shift within the farming community’
© Faye Jones
Faye Jones is a 34-year-old mother of two and a passionate advocate for fitness in the farming community.
Living with her husband on a smallholding in Herefordshire, she manages a flock of 300 breeding ewes and 50 Wagyu cattle.
Together, they’ve built their farming business from the ground up, but it is her journey through fitness and mental health that has been truly transformative.
“I’m a very motivated person who thrives from being busy,” Faye says.
Her enthusiasm for fitness is evident in her everyday life on the farm, where she gets up at 5am to fit in her training before the day’s work begins.
“It’s all about balancing life on the farm with taking care of myself,” she explains.
Faye’s journey to fitness started a few years ago, following the birth of her first child in 2020.
Running bug
Struggling with the challenges of motherhood and life in general, she began running 5km locally at night, equipped with a headtorch.
“I got a bug for running,” she says, “I started doing it three times a week, just running 5km around the local lanes. And I worked from that really.
“I’ve done three half marathons now and got into strength training, too. I do strength training probably four times a week and run once a week.”
Faye’s commitment to fitness has not only been personal but also a key part of her family’s journey towards better mental health.
Mental health
After her husband experienced a mental breakdown in August 2024, Faye recognised the importance of exercise for improving mental wellbeing.
“He’d never really done any fitness before,” she says.
“Farmers often think they’re too tired to work out.
“But he started training at home with a personal trainer three times a week, and within six weeks he was 70-80% better.
“The difference it made to his energy levels was incredible.”
This experience has deepened Faye’s connection to the mental health benefits of fitness.
“It’s massively affected us in a positive way. For us as a family, fitness is now super, super important.
“My husband is no longer depressed, and we are more focused and able to think rationally about everything we need to do. It’s made a huge difference to us.”
2024 competition
Faye’s involvement in Britain’s Fittest Farmer last year was a defining moment.
Initially entering on a whim, she found herself drawn to the competition’s combination of fitness and farming.
“It was so hard, but so good, I met so many nice people, and it was emotional.
“The atmosphere was brilliant. Everyone cheered each other on – it was fantastic.”
Although she didn’t make it to the final last year, Faye is determined to push herself further in 2025.
“I wasn’t expecting to get to the final last year, but when I didn’t make it, I was gutted.
“This year, I want to do better and get to the final.”
2025 preparation
In preparation for this year’s competition, Faye has focused on strength training, an area she felt she needed to improve upon after last year’s experience.
“I did a lot of running before, but now I’m making strength training a priority. I think it will prepare me more for the challenges ahead,” she says.
Her journey is also about inspiring others in the farming community.
“Fitness is so important, especially for farmers. They often feel too tired to workout, but making time for fitness really helps,” Faye explains.
“It’s important to show other farmers that they can fit exercise into their busy days and that it can make a huge difference.”
Faye will be competing in the under-40s category this year, and she’s excited to share her passion for fitness with others.
“I just want to promote fitness, especially for farmers. It’s so important for mental health and for feeling good physically.
“I’ve seen the difference it’s made for my family, and I want to help others realise that too.”
For Faye, fitness isn’t just about the body – it’s about improving life on the farm, supporting her family’s mental health, and inspiring a shift in mindset within the farming community.
With her determination and resilience, Faye is ready to take on this year’s challenge, stronger than ever.